Arup has recently reached a major milestone on the €4.5bn Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link tunnel project with the issue of tender documents for the four main civil works contracts.

As one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe, the tunnel will become both the world’s longest immersed tube tunnel and the longest combined road and railway tunnel.

Commenting on the project, David Edwards, Project Manager, Arup said:

“The Fehmarnbelt tunnel is a  fully-integrated structural and services design which sets new standards in immersed tunnel design and will provide a vital new road and rail link for northern europe.”

 As the Client's designers Arup, in joint venture with Ramboll and TEC, are responsible for the tender design and development of the tunnel and landside connections. The project represents €4.5bn in construction value.

Nine pre-qualified contractor consortia from eight countries will start a tender process, culminating in contract awards in 2015. Construction is expected to last six years.

The Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link consists of an immersed tube tunnel project with associated landside works between Lolland in Denmark and Fehmarn in Germany. The tunnel is of a unique scale and will set a new record in terms of length and depth. The length will be 18km with foundation depths reaching more than 40m under the sea surface.

The JV’s scope includes multidisciplinary design from preliminary design through to preparation of tender documentation, including conceptual design, plan approval, illustrative design and D&B Tender Documentation. Arup provided international experience to Fehmarnbelt and delivered an innovative approach to the tunnels longitudinal ventilation.